Lesson 7 - Using Space in Games
Tactical Awareness
•Year 5
•Hockey
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How can intelligent movement and positioning help my team succeed in hockey?
Learning Objectives
- To use space effectively in attacking and defending situations
- To apply hockey skills under pressure in game contexts
- To understand and implement tactical awareness in team play
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate effective use of space in hockey games
- Students will show improved decision-making under pressure
- Students will contribute effectively to team tactics in both attacking and defending
Equipment & Resources Required
Check all sticks for damage before lesson starts
Alternative: Plastic floor hockey sticks for indoor use
Store extras around pitch perimeter for quick replacement
Alternative: Foam balls for beginners, hockey balls for advanced groups
Use bright colours for clear visibility, place at pitch corners initially
Alternative: Markers or chalk lines
Have spares ready for torn or lost bibs
Alternative: Different coloured polo shirts
Key Vocabulary
Open areas on the pitch where players can move without opposition pressure
When defenders are close and trying to tackle or intercept
Moving to help a teammate by providing passing options
Having control of the ball as a team
Understanding when and where to move to help the team
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic hockey stick handling and ball control
- Simple passing and receiving techniques
- Understanding of basic hockey rules and safety
Current Skills
- Moving into space away from opponents
- Decision-making under pressure
- Tactical awareness in small-sided games
Next Steps
- Advanced tactical play in full hockey matches
- Leadership roles in team strategies
- Complex passing combinations and set plays
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Space is created by moving away from defenders and other players
- Quick decision-making between passing and dribbling based on pressure
- Communication helps teammates understand where space is available
- Multiple goals force defenders to cover more area and create opportunities
- Moving immediately after passing prevents standing and watching
- Supporting teammates means providing passing options in good positions
- Tactical awareness improves through experiencing both attacking and defending roles
Common Misconceptions
- Space only matters when you have the ball - actually it's important when supporting teammates too
- Always pass to the nearest player - sometimes longer passes to space are better options
- Goalkeepers should stay in goal at all times - they can move within their goal area effectively
- Defenders should always chase the ball - sometimes covering space is more effective
- More players near the ball is always better - this actually reduces passing options and space
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter segments, provide frequent positive feedback, use clear boundaries and simple rules
dyspraxia
- Use larger, softer equipment, reduce complexity of activities, provide extra practice time and encouragement
autism spectrum
- Provide clear structure and routine, use visual schedule for lesson sections, allow for sensory breaks if needed
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide clear verbal descriptions of activities, pair with sighted buddy
hearing impairment
- Use visual demonstrations and hand signals, provide written activity instructions, ensure clear sight lines to teacher
physical disability
- Modify equipment size and weight, adapt distances and playing areas, provide alternative roles like coach or referee
Cross-Curricular Links
Science
Understanding forces in passing, effects of exercise on heart rate, physics of ball movement and control
Geography
Spatial awareness, mapping movement patterns, understanding directions and positioning
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, handling pressure situations, supporting teammates, fair play and sporting behaviour
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move between activity areas to observe all groups. Position at corners during games for maximum visibility.
Observation Focus
Watch for space recognition, decision-making under pressure, and safe play throughout
Intervention Points
["Step in if students not moving after passing", "Intervene when defensive pressure becomes unsafe", "Provide tactical guidance during four goal hockey"]
Demonstration Notes
Use student examples wherever possible. Demonstrate space usage by walking through scenarios. Show decision-making process clearly.
Verbal Cues
- •'Move to space!'
- •'Look for the free player!'
- •'Which goal is less defended?'
- •'Pass or dribble - decide quickly!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 20m x 30m outdoor area or large sports hall with adequate ceiling height
Surface Check
Even grass or indoor surface free from holes, wet patches, or obstacles
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •All hockey sticks checked for cracks, splinters, or loose parts
- •Balls inflated to appropriate pressure and free from damage
- •Cones placed securely and visible to all participants
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Stick contact during close play
- •Collisions during running and chasing
- •Slips and falls on wet surfaces
- •Ball strikes to head or body
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear rules about stick height and safe tackling
- •Adequate spacing between activity areas
- •Progressive skill building before competitive play
- •Constant supervision during high-intensity games
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe all groups simultaneously
- •Monitor for dangerous play in competitive games
- •Watch for fatigue affecting decision-making
Emergency Procedures
Stop all play immediately for any injury. Assess severity and provide appropriate first aid. Have emergency contact numbers readily available.